public transithttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/13891/all
enHow to Use Public Transit Directions with Apple Mapshttp://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how-use-apple-maps-public-transit
<!--paging_filter-->http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how-use-apple-maps-public-transit#commentsApple MapsiOSpublic transitiPadiPhoneiPodHow-TosWed, 22 Jul 2015 23:08:00 +0000Derek Walter21867 at http://www.maclife.comApple Daily: Latest on Apple Watch and MacBook at Retail; Maps Update Coming?http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_daily_latest_apple_watch_and_macbook_retail_maps_update_coming
<!--paging_filter--><p>With all eyes on Friday's launch of the Apple Watch, it's not surprising that much of this edition of the Apple Daily is focused squarely on Cupertino's first wearable. We've got updates on new product availability, developers being offered a chance to buy a Watch this week, and potentially good news for Maps fans looking forward to the return of public transit directions.</p><h3>Retail Boss Updates Employees on Watch, MacBook Launches</h3><p>French website Mac4Ever (via&nbsp;<a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&amp;sl=&amp;tl=en&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mac4ever.com%2Factu%2F100324_exclusif-angela-ahrendts-confirme-les-livraisons-d-apple-watch-le-24-et-rassure-ses-troupes-video" target="_blank">Google Translate</a>) today shared a video intended for Apple employees around the world in which senior vice president of retail and online stores Angela Ahrendts updates her staff on what's going on with product launches for the Apple Watch and the slim new MacBook, both of which have frustrated early adopters with limited availability.</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/angela_ahrendts_retail_video_620px.png" alt="Angela Ahrendts video" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>In a nearly five-minute video shot near Apple's Cupertino headquarters, Ahrendts praises retail staffers for the way they've handled in-store Apple Watch demos, which require prospective customers to order online and potentially wait weeks or months to actually receive one.<br /><br />"It was not an easy decision, and I think it's really important to remind every single customer that this is not just a new product for us, this is an entirely new category. And the first time we've ever previewed a product two weeks before availability," Ahrendts explained. "The great news is from anyone who did preorder, they'll start getting their orders this Friday."<br /><br />Ahrendts promises to provide retail employees with weekly reports on supply constraints, pledging a return to the days of huge crowds outside Apple Stores for future product launches. The executive also confirmed "overwhelming" response for the new MacBook, with many retail outlets still missing demo units, let alone actual inventory to sell.</p><h3>Select Developers Offered Watch Sport with Expedited Delivery</h3><p>Although iOS developers have been working on WatchKit updates for weeks now, few have been able to properly test those apps on an actual Apple Watch. On Tuesday, some were offered the incentive to do so, courtesy of a "special opportunity" emailed to select developers offering the chance to purchase one (and only one) Apple Watch Sport with 42mm Silver Aluminum Case and Blue Sport Band with guaranteed shipping by April 28.</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/apple_watch_developer_offer_620px.png" alt="Apple Watch Sport developer email" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>According to a screenshot of the email obtained by <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2015/04/21/apple-watch-developers-guaranteed-device/" target="_blank">MacRumors</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/kevinchen/status/590573787961290752" target="_blank">Twitter user Kevin Chen</a>, quantities are limited and developers must register before 10AM PST Thursday to take advantage of the offer. The real question is, where are they getting these extra Apple Watches when preorders have been sold out since minutes after they kicked off on April 10...?</p><h3>Apple Job Opening Confirms Public Transit Plans for Maps App</h3><p><a href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/15/04/21/apple-job-listing-confirms-plans-to-bring-public-transit-info-to-its-maps-service" target="_blank">AppleInsider today reported</a>&nbsp;that public transit directions appear to be on their way back to iOS and OS X after a nearly three-year absence. The confirmation comes by way of an&nbsp;<a href="https://jobs.apple.com/us/search?pr=1#&amp;ss=Maps%20Software%20Engineer-%20Routing&amp;t=1&amp;so=&amp;lo=0*USA&amp;pN=0&amp;openJobId=39705773" target="_blank">official job posting</a>&nbsp;in search of a software engineer for the built-in Maps app with the Routing division, and more specifically requests "in-depth knowledge about public transit, both as a consumer of those services and the technical aspects." With WWDC 2015 fast approaching, it's entirely possible Apple could announce the return of public transit directions with the forthcoming iOS 9 and OS X 10.11 updates expected later this year.</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/apple_maps_public_transit_620px.png" alt="Apple Maps public transit directions" width="620" height="300" /></p><p><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Images courtesy of Mac4Ever and Kevin Chen)</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_daily_latest_apple_watch_and_macbook_retail_maps_update_coming#commentsNewsAngela Ahrendtsapple dailyApple MapsApple Retail StoresApple Watchapple watch sportdeliveriesDeveloperspublic transitiPhoneMacTue, 21 Apr 2015 23:00:00 +0000J.R. Bookwalter21540 at http://www.maclife.comGoogle Maps for iOS Updated with Several New and Enhanced Featureshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/google_maps_ios_updated_several_new_and_enhanced_features
<!--paging_filter--><p class="p1"><img src="/files/u297092/photo1.jpg" width="620" height="349" /></p><p class="p1">Google is showing a bit more attention on the iOS side of things lately. Last week, it <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/standalone_google_docs_and_sheets_apps_released_slides_come">split off Docs and Sheets apps</a> (with Slides incoming) from Google Drive for increased visibility, and now today, the company <a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2014/05/get-on-road-go-off-grid-or-plan-perfect.html">updated its Google Maps app</a> to a 3.0.0 version with several new and upgraded features.</p><p class="p1">Chief among them is an official offline maps option, which lets you save them for network-free browsing — ideal for international travel or when exploring areas with minimal reception. Google Maps for iOS also receives a major turn-by-turn navigation boost with this latest update, adding lane recommendations while driving and making it easier to check out alternate routes when on the move.</p><p class="p1">Walking and transit results are also improved in the latest edition, letting you see the total amount of time for an on-foot trip, as well as when the next scheduled train or bus will arrive. You can also search for destinations — like restaurants and bars — by hours, price level, and other variables.</p><p class="p1">And for fans of ridesharing/cab service Uber, today’s update integrates it as a transportation option for those with the Uber app installed. You’ll be able to compare the estimated time to get an Uber ride to the destination against that of walking or public transportation, and then flip right to the actual app to follow through with such plans.</p><p class="p1">Other tweaks like access to iOS contacts and Google Voice Search capabilities help make the app even more useful than ever, and as always, it’s <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354?mt=8">available from the App Store</a> for free.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/google_maps_ios_updated_several_new_and_enhanced_features#commentsNewsApp StoreAppsDirectionsGooglegoogle mapsiOSiPod and iPhonemappingMapsNavigationpublic transitiPadiPhoneiPodTue, 06 May 2014 22:56:33 +0000Andrew Hayward19905 at http://www.maclife.comApple Maps Said to Include More Points of Interest, Better Public Transit with iOS 8http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_maps_said_include_more_points_interest_better_public_transit_ios_8
<!--paging_filter--><p>Apple has heard all of the <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_maps_directed_ios_users_taxiway_alaskan_airport" target="_blank">complaints </a>about Apple Maps, and it wants to make it better. It's so keen on this, in fact, that <em><a href="http://9to5mac.com/2014/03/11/ios-8-apple-polishes-maps-data-adds-public-transit-directions-service/" target="_blank">9to5Mac </a></em>reports that the Cupertino company's allegedly beefing it up in time for iOS 8 to such a point that it should handily rival Google Maps for data supremacy. And thanks to its recent acquisitions of smaller companies like BroadMap, Embark, and <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_acquires_hopstop_locationary_possible_effort_improve_apple_maps" target="_blank">HopStop</a>, it might be able to pull it off.</p><p>Data, indeed, is the key word here. Apple reportedly wants to include better labeling, better street presentations, and additional points of interest in the new app, in addition to long-awaited public transportation directions. Apple's acquisitions of Embark and HopStop should help with the latter, particularly since both companies had solid reputations before Apple picked them up.</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2014/03/maps.jpg" width="620" height="369" /></p><p><strong>Source: <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2014/03/11/ios-8-apple-polishes-maps-data-adds-public-transit-directions-service/" target="_blank">9to5Mac</a></strong></p><p>That data will also extend to trains and subways, as well as to "enhanced directions to major airports," which presumably takes into account specialty shuttles. The information won't just be limited to the moment, either; according to the report, we'll also get to see directions for later times so we can avoiding scheduling for a bus or train route that's already closed late in the night.</p><p><em>9to5Mac</em> claims the overhaul will first support major cities in the United States, and after that, it'll spread to smaller metropolitan areas and to the world beyond. The report comes on the heels of<em> 9to5Mac</em>'s<a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/iphone_iwatch_will_allegedly_work_together_strong_health_focus_ios_8" target="_blank"> earlier claims</a> that iOS 8 would have a heavy emphasis on health apps, and while that hasn't been disproven, it's been said that the apps won't be <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/iwatch_simpler_previous_rumors_claim_report_says" target="_blank">quite as powerful</a> as originally suggested. Even so, if even a majority of this stuff is true, iOS 8 could turn out to be one of Apple's most significant releases to date.</p><p><em>Follow this article's writer,<a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">&nbsp;Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_maps_said_include_more_points_interest_better_public_transit_ios_8#commentsNewsApple MapsiOS 7iOS 8iPadiphoneiPodNavigationpublic transittravelTue, 11 Mar 2014 21:14:08 +0000Leif Johnson19530 at http://www.maclife.comApple Acquires HopStop, Locationary in Possible Effort to Improve Apple Mapshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_acquires_hopstop_locationary_possible_effort_improve_apple_maps
<!--paging_filter--><p>Apple clearly wants to improve its much-maligned Maps app, and it's apparently drawing from its vast financial resources to take the shortest route to improvement possible. How? It's trying to buy everyone who does it better (apart, of course, from Google). As <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-19/apple-said-to-buy-hopstop-pushing-deeper-into-maps.html" target="_blank">Bloomberg </a>reports, Apple acquired data firm Locationary this morning, and now word just came in that it's also planning to acquire the transit app HopStop.</p><p>Both choices reflect that Apple's trying to address two of the key criticisms of Apple Maps--namely, that the directions often send you blocks away from your intended destination and that it inexplicably omits public transit routes for some major cities. Based on our own experiences with HopStop in particular, the companies Apple's buying are good choices. Back in September, we even singled out HopStop as <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/columns/free_app_help_you_be_less_angry_maps_ios_6" target="_blank">"A Free App to Help You Be Less Angry at Maps in iOS 6."</a></p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2013/07/applemaps3d.jpg" width="620" height="349" /></p><p>In Bloomberg's words, "HopStop shows users in more than 500 cities the fastest way to travel by foot, bike, subway and car; Locationary deploys real-time data from a variety of sources to help users find featured businesses." Bloomberg notes that its sources asked not to be identified since the HopStop deal wasn't public.</p><p>Previously Apple acquired Placebase, C3, and Poly9 <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/4_new_features_apple_maps_ios" target="_blank">ahead of the launch of iOS 6</a>. That's now five acquisitions Apple's made in its attempt to make a map app that can stand up to Google--with these two, let's hope that Apple finally gets us where we want to go.</p><p><em> Follow this article's writer, <a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_acquires_hopstop_locationary_possible_effort_improve_apple_maps#commentsNewsApple MapsDirectionsHopStopLocationarymappingpublic transitFri, 19 Jul 2013 22:41:06 +0000Leif Johnson17577 at http://www.maclife.comGoogle Maps Reviewhttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/google_maps_review
<!--paging_filter--><p>Initially pronounced the best mobile mapping solution on the planet, the reimagined iOS 6 Maps has become a PR disaster for Apple, leading CEO Tim Cook to publicly apologize for the debacle. Google heard the frustrated cries of iOS users and, like a knight in shining armor, now comes riding back onto the iPhone with its own Google Maps app, a mere three months after being banished from the castle.<br /><br />The free Google Maps isn’t exactly the same app iOS users have loved since its debut in 2007. This version has to be manually installed from the App Store, and because Apple saved its UI spit and polish for its own offering, this one has an entirely new look and feel. That’s not necessarily a bad thing: Rather than simply port its cluttered Maps app from Android, Google has followed design cues from recent updates to its Gmail and Google Search apps for iOS. It takes a few moments to adjust to, but overall, the new UI works well and it’s a big step in the right direction (pun intended).</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u325188/2012/12/maps1_screen.png" width="620" height="349" /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I still prefer the more classic Maps UI present in iOS 6, and despite problems with its map data, Apple’s offering actually feels like the more mature of the two. Content-wise, Google Maps looks largely the same as it always has – only the user interface has changed. Rather than tap on a familiar page curl to access map settings, Google gets a little swipe-crazy here. Traffic, public transit, and satellite views are tucked into a tray that slides from the right edge, accessible by tapping three tiny vertical dots or a less-than-intuitive two-finger swipe.<br /><br />The biggest news is the inclusion of voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions – a feature sorely lacking in the original Apple-Google mashup. It works well and looks great, with a large green banner up top that users can swipe across to see upcoming turns while waiting at traffic lights. When arriving at the destination, a card slides up offering Street View (where available) and other details, which is a nice touch. However, we noticed a couple of quirks while using navigation with a SYNC-enabled Ford. Occasionally, voice prompts would completely pause music playing from our iPhone 5 instead of lowering the volume; the guidance would sometimes pause in mid-sentence, almost as if the female voice were trying to decide what to say next.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u325188/2012/12/double-screen.png" width="620" height="417" /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Google may be the gold standard of mobile map data, but it’s still not perfect: A trip to the nearby post office routed me to a location that’s been abandoned for almost a decade, instead of the bigger, swankier digs up the street. The app also found its way to the local Chase branch, but incorrectly claimed it was on the opposite side of the street. Not quite as dangerous as being lost in the Australian wilderness, but annoying nonetheless. Our biggest gripe is the app’s inability to look up addresses from the iOS address book, a task it also fails to perform with Google Contacts. Thankfully, signing in with a Google account at least remembers home and work addresses, as well as saved destinations synced from the cloud, which can then be called up by typing the first few letters of their names.<br /><br /><strong>The bottom line</strong>. So is Google Maps the savior everyone was hoping for? For city dwellers, public transit and walking directions alone will be enough to give a resounding yes. For everyone else, Google’s more extensive database and Street View make it worthy of a space on your home screen – at least until presumably Apple comes back for round two with iOS 7.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-the-bottom-line"><legend>Review Synopsis</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-product">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Product:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354?mt=8" target="_blank">Google Maps 1.0</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-company">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Company:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Google </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-contact">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Contact:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://www.google.com" target="_blank">http://www.google.com</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-price">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Free </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-requirements">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 5.1 or later</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-positives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Positives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Fast, fluid, swipe-loving user interface. Built-in voice navigation with turn-by-turn directions. Recent destinations can be saved and synced to Google account.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-negatives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Negatives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>No access to device contacts. No native iPad support. Occasional quirks with voice navigation while playing music at the same time.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
</fieldset>
http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/google_maps_review#commentsReviewsapp store reviewsappleAppLifeDirectionsgoogle mapsiPhone and iPod AppsiPodMapspublic transitreviewssoftwareiPadiPhoneiPodMacMon, 17 Dec 2012 17:13:20 +0000J.R. Bookwalter15826 at http://www.maclife.com